Revisiting legacy of first headmaster among Nagas
Mokokchung, May 6 (MExN): Perhaps forgotten among the Nagas today, the legacy of Guizang Meru Zeliang, who is the first headmaster among the Nagas, is being revisited so that his place as an educationist would be remembered in his rightful place today.
A group of young men from the WAM Event Management Group is working hard to honour the first headmaster of Impur Christian Higher Secondary School (ICHSS) so that his contribution towards the growth of education in Nagaland can be duly acknowledged and respected for posterity to come, informed a press release issued by WAM Event Management.
The name, Guizang Meru Zeliang, might be known among the elders, but for many younger generations, his name might be unheard of. Featured in the book ‘Education and the Nagas’ authored by former pro-chancellor Kiremwati, today, his name is being remembered so that the young people can also understand and appreciate his contributions towards the Naga society, the release added.
For the uninitiated, Guizang Meru Zeliang was born on June 15, 1894 to Heizieluing Meru Zeliang, the first Christian among the Zeliangs.
“Heizilung as the first Christian dedicated his first born child Gwizao to the service of the lord. After appearing matriculation examination, Gwizo joined the Impur mission centre as a teacher as per his father’s wish. He became the headmaster in 1915,” wrote Kiremwati in his book ‘Education and the Nagas’.
Unfortunately, he passed away on November 4, 1918 during a cholera epidemic that broke out at Impur. “An epidemic of cholera broke in the year 1918 in which he took the responsibility of nursing the sick and got infected with the disease and died on 4th November 1918 at Impur,” said Nini Meru, former NBSE Chairperson, who is closely related to the pioneering teacher.
Today, his name is etched at Impur Christian Mission Hr Secondary School as the first headmaster of the school.
As a mark of respect and to celebrate the rich legacy of Guizang Meru Zeliang, the WAM Event Management Group in collaboration with the Ao Baptist Arogo Mungdang (the Ao Baptist Church Council) is initiating different projects so that his name and contributions are remembered and honored among the Nagas today.
The WAM Group has rebuilt his cemetery at Impur Mission Centre among the pioneering Naga church leaders and educationists. It is also initiating an inter-school competition on a state level in honor of Guizang Meru Zeliang.
